Musical Furniture --dining room

So I was playing musical furniture in my house again. This time the dining room go a little switch-a-roo.
I recently acquired a table my Dad used as a desk and wasn't sure what to do with it...but knew that I liked it. I love the simple lines and the top has really pretty wood slat detail.

So I was going back and forth in my head as to where it would go. A sewing table in my art studio or here in the dining room? It was a too big for the studio and I thought it might be too small for a dining table... but once I switched it, it totally worked. Just the right size for the space. I also swapped out the four chairs with these that were in my studio. I think this room needed some wood to ground it after the walls were painted.

It's funny, I've always had the idea that I needed a table that seats up to 10 people since I have such a big family. In reality, when my families over, we all sit outside at the larger dining table.

Drats!!!

.....and my day was going sooo well.
I forgot to check the back of the wood canvas before painting the little green guy, and the hanger keyhole was at the wrong end! Guess I'll be pulling out my router and making a new notch....or maybe turn him into a bat. I just hate it when that happens.

And for some good news---

....My "Retro Kitty" painting was chosen for a pet painting exhibit at the Encinitas Library. It's up now if anyone wants to check out the show. I'm not sure if they're having a reception or anything but will post it if they do.

and.....I've been sewing like a crazy person for the last few days. Can't show you yet what I've been making. They are all baby presents for the slew of babies that will be born soon or have just been born. Literally, they're dropping from the sky faster than I can sew. It's been really nice to finally use some of my own fabric! Can't wait to share.

Calling all Artists!

I know it's kind of late notice but I just found out today myself.

The Pannikin is having a charity benefit on August 18th from 6-10pm. They plan on doing this annually and picking a different cause each year. This years donations are going to help a regular patron of the Pannikin and personal friend of mine who is in need of a medical treatment after being in a horrible accident.
I will definitely be involved with my time and donations. If any of you talented artists would like to donate a piece of art for the silent auction it would be so appreciated. Not only will you be helping a local but you will also be gaining exposure for your business.

You can get in touch with me here and I'll give you more details.
Should be a great evening of music, food and art....so spread the word! Karin

What a Shower!

This was one of the prettiest showers I've been to in a long time. My friend Jessica who works at the Pannikin had her shower there after hours. We ended up closing the place down after 10 o'clock.
I left with so many great ideas to use for my sister's shower next month.
Pretty decorations, incredibly delicious thai food, and a fun group of ladies= a perfect shower.

Are you sitting down?

Words cannot express how excited I am to have this new/vintage stove! It belonged to my friend Tina who inherited it when she bought her funky Leucadia beach house 13 years ago. She baked many wonderful dishes in this old Betty and now.... it'll be mine next week.

Since my oven has been broken for almost 5 years now, this couldn't have happened at a better time.

Tina, I promise to take good care of her and give her center stage in my own kitchen. Actually, the rest of my kitchen will be designed around her. And when the time comes to refurbish this vintage beauty, I think I will have her painted apple green.

Latest Planting Project

Just finished making this concrete/moss planter and couldn't wait to recreate a Bonsai forest I had my eye on at Barrels and Branches. It was way out of my price range so "why not make one right?" Definitely more work than I thought, but so worth it. Instead of a ficus tree, I chose a tiny fuchsia as my focal plant. The rest was filled in with pebbles and succulents. Is this not the cutest thing?

Somebody's...getting .........married

It's official! These two lovebirds are engaged and we couldn't be more excited. Nelz, we love you and although we already think of you as family, now it's going to be official. Lara........you did good girl!

Art and I were asked to help set up the surprise down at Seaside Beach similar to the last one we did for our friends a year ago. Honestly, I think this one was even prettier.

Once everything was set in place, we all (Cat, Zuri, Anica, Ethan, Art and I) hid around the corner of the bluff..cameras in hand like paparazzi.

The rest of the day was spent eating, swimming and chilling on the beach.

Corn Crazy Man

The vegetable garden is out of control this year. Art wanted to grow corn which is not easy to do. I tried to persuade him to plant something else and I'm glad he didn't listen. Corn needs really nutrient rich soil and all my past experiences with it have failed. I guess having chickens to fertilize our soil has changed everything.
Art calls me out to admires his corn babies daily. It's crazy how fast it grows.

We've got tomatillos, peppers, squash, tomatoes, pumpkins, beans, nectarines, strawberries, plums, leeks, herbs, and of course sweet peas and giant sunflowers.

It's official....we are frustrated farmers in suburbia.